7333-R3_MSA_Oct2020_MaineSnowmobiler

nomic impact, showed that riding and related tourism continued on a steady pace compared to previous years. The average age of a snowmo- biler this past season was 45 years of age. Approximately 84% of snowmobilers are males and 16% female. Survey also showed that snowmobilers are active outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy snowmobil- ing with family and friends. 70% of first-time snowmobile buyers have purchased a used snowmobile and most plan to purchase a new snowmobile on their next purchase. Many of the first-time buyers are young adults and they move on to purchase the new snowmobile later in life. Snowmobilers are outdoor enthu- siasts and over 50% participate in activities such as boating, camping, fishing, ATV and Motorcycle rid- ing. Snowmobilers also are active hikers, bikers, and hunters. Over 60% of snowmobilers in North America are club and/or snowmo- bile association/federation mem- bers. These active, outdoor enthu-

siasts build the trails and support snowmobiling access across North America. They are also active in raising money for charity and annu- ally raise over $3 Million dollars for National Charities. Families enjoy snowmobiling because it is a great outdoor recre- ation activity. People go snowmo- biling for the following reasons: • To view the scenery • Be with family and friends • To get away from the usual demands of life and to be close with nature The snowmobile clubs and state and provincial snowmobile organi- zations continue to expand as they serve as a great conduit for snow- mobiling and are involved in local issues supporting their local com- munities. Economic impact studies show that snowmobiling is growing in importance as part of the overall economic engine and job growth for winter tourism. Studies are showing that snowmobiling gener- ates over $30 Billion worth of eco- nomic activity in North America. Snowmobiling joins other outdoor

The snowmobile community is optimistic and is already looking forward to a great 2020-2021 rid- ing season since the end of this riding season in March-April 2020 featured tremendous snowfalls in much of North America. The snowmobile industry reports that there are 1.1 million registered snowmobiles in the United States and over 543,000 in Canada. The registration numbers continue to be steady, showing that snowmobiling continues to be an active, healthy winter sport. Recently conducted surveys show that 82% of the snowmobil- ing households own 2 snowmo- biles that they register and ride. Increased registration in Northern Europe continues and there are well over 300,000 active snowmobilers in Scandinavia. Snowmobile related tourism con- tinues to increase in North America and beyond. This can be seen in recent economic studies conducted by major colleges/universities. Miles ridden by snowmobilers, which is always predictive of eco-

recreation activities and in total, outdoor recreation generates over $766 Billion worth of economic activity in the United States. Eco- nomic Activity generated by snow- mobilers provides many jobs and investment opportunities and gen- erates considerable tax revenue for local governments which eagerly support snowmobiling. The most recent surveys show that snowmo- bilers spend over $3500 per family supporting snowmobiling activi- ties, on average, and that does not include the purchase of a snow- mobile and trailer. A recent report shows that snowmobiling con- tributed $9.3 Billion in economic activity across Canada. In many parts of North America and Northern Europe, snowmo- bilers are the economic engine for winter Tourism. Snowmobiling is a vital component of the rural Amer- ica development effort and is rec- ognized as such by land managers around the globe. Snowmobilers are an optimistic group of people and they are looking forward to a great winter in 2021.

sleds sold worldwide, a 7% decline from the previous year – which was a strong sales year supported by a long winter season. Sales in all three major markets, (United States, Canada, and Scandinavia) reported minor declines influenced by a shortened sales season and the onslaught of the Covid-19 Pan- demic. Sales in the United States were 51,036 new snowmobiles sold, while sales in Canada were 43,535 new snowmobiles sold. Sales showed a slight increase in Finland to slightly over 5,040 units sold compared to 4581 units last year, and Russia continues its strong sales activity with over 7,191 new sleds sold following last year’s sales of 6441 sleds. This is a sales increase of slightly over 10% in Russia which highlights the improved economic health in Rus- sia, joined with excellent snow con- ditions and enthusiasm for the sport of snowmobiling. New Snowmobile Sales Data for Winter of 2019-2020 Continued from Cover

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